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 FAQs

  • Of course! We would love to meet you and show you around our space. However, due to our popularity, we often have a full house and rooms aren’t always available to show. Therefore, calling us to book on the day is your best bet!

  • Simply let your lead midwife know! Most Waikato midwives have access to our birth centre and can deliver your baby here, or welcome you to stay with us postnatally, regardless of where their clinic may be. If they don’t have access, they can get in touch with us to gain access.

  • Our birth centre services, including your postnatal care and stay, are free if you are a New Zealand citizen or resident and for other eligible women.

    Check your eligibility here: https://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/eligibility-publicly-funded-health-services

    If you do not meet the requirements for free maternity care contact us for our charges.

  • Of course! You can birth wherever you wish and then transfer to our birth centre, and many women do. Your midwife can give you further information about including this option in your birth plan.

  • For well-women who carry their baby to term Waterford is a safe place to have your baby. Choosing where to labour and birth is one of the most important decisions you will make as you focus on creating the safest possible conditions for your baby to be born.

    Research, and Waterford’s own statistics confirm that giving birth at Waterford is much less likely to result in complications for you and your baby. This is because we provide the kind of birthing space that enables a woman to labour and birth as nature and her body intended; private, safe, warm, and unobtrusive care with your trusted midwife. These fundamental needs at the time of birth protect the flow of hormones that progress labour and birth and enable healthy women to deliver with few or no interventions.

    If transfer to Waikato hospital is required, it is only a five-minute journey in a free ambulance.

  • Here is a recommended list:

    For the birthing parent:

    • Day clothes, comfortable leisure wear.
      Nighties or pyjamas – PJ’s x 3

    • Dressing gown

    • Underwear – comfortable pants that fit a pad x 8, maternity bra

    • Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo & conditioner etc.

    • Maternity pads 2-3 packs

    • Extra snacks as required

    For your pēpi:

    • Cotton singlets

    • Woollen or merino singlets

    • Woollen hat

    • Cotton or merino gowns or stretch n grows

    • Cotton, woollen or merino wraps

    • Woollen booties

    • Woollen cardigan

    • Any baby care products you wish to use

    For your birthing partner:

    • Day clothes, comfortable leisure wear.

    • Pyjamas – PJ’s/dressing gown

    • Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo & conditioner etc

    For Labour:

    • Snacks, wheatpacks, hotpacks – (bucket and hand-towels),

    • Music

    • Your more than welcome to bring any additional extra that you may wish to have. E.G. essential oils, aromatherapy, battery operated candles etc

    • Chargers for your phone etc.

  • Your midwife, partner and chosen support people. The midwife will be one of the many Waikato midwives with an access agreement to support births at Waterford Birth Centre. The staff midwife may attend if/when required.

    We have large birth rooms that easily accommodate your whanau support, and even your birth photographer!

  • Of course! We have birth pools in each delivery room.

  • Your LMC. When you go into labour, contact your midwife as planned. She will arrange when to meet you at the birth centre once your labour is progressing. She may visit you at home first.

  • Your midwife will accompany you to Waikato Hospital (A short distance away by free ambulance). A Waterford staff midwife assist in preparing you for transfer.

    Whilst at Waterford, you are only 4-5 minutes from delivery suite. There are no bridges to cross as we are on the same side of the river as Waikato Hospital.

  • You, your baby and your partner/birth support person can stay in your postnatal room for 48 hours (or two full nights) after the birth.

  • The period following birth is also precious bonding time for whanau. We invite you to have one adult stay with you in your room, whether it’s your partner or another birth support person of your choice.

    Children cannot stay overnight at Waterford Birth Centre but may visit with you and their brand new sibling during visiting hours.

  • 1pm-8pm
    Monday to Sunday.

  • Yes, all birth and postnatal rooms have an ensuite for your privacy and convenience.

  • Yes, we have unlimited wifi for you to enjoy.

  • Your meals are prepared and delivered fresh daily, by the amazing Red Kitchen Restaurant. Portions are large, delicious and nutritious. We fully cater to your dietary requirements eg, egetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies, halal and any other requests you might have.

    Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are delivered to your room by the staff. Special dietary needs are catered for.

    You are welcome to bring extra food and snacks.

    Your room is equipped with tea and coffee facilities including a fridge and kettle. Microwave facilities are available.

  • No, partners meals are not provided. However, they are more than welcome to order Red Kitchen Meals during your stay to be delivered here on site.

    Please feel free to bring your own food too!